ABC News Featured Artsakh on Their List of 7 Offbeat Places to Go to in 2012

In 2011, American TV channel ABC News included Nagorny Karabakh in their list of 7 most unusual regions of the world to pay a visit to in 2012. With a slight humor, they introduced the most remarkable sights that the region, which is now by the way officially called the Republic of Artsakh, is literally filled with.

So, “this landlocked autonomous region between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the place to go. It’s the kind of place that’s so contested that not only does it not have an embassy, but its “Office of Permanent Representation” in Armenia doesn’t even ask if you want your visa pasted into your passport. They know you don’t, so they just attach it with a paper clip.”

As for points of interest to tourists, ABC News wrote: “Stay at the recently-built Armenia Hotel in the capital, Stepanakert, and use the city as your base to explore the region. Go hiking through snow-topped mountains and fields of yellow and red flowers. Feast on shish kebob and grilled vegetables. If you’re staying with a local, don’t be surprised if you’re offered homemade mulberry vodka with breakfast.

Don’t miss the Gandzasar Monastery, meaning “hilltop treasure,” built in the 10th century. Visit it at night to see it lit up in the darkness.”

The other 6 places were Lisbon, Portugal; Atacama Desert, Chile; Whitsunday Islands, Australia; Luang Prabang, Laos, Railay Beach, Thailand; and Venlo, Netherlands.

Source: peopleofar.com, the original publication used to be located on ABC News’ website. As you can notice, the publication now features only 6 locations instead of 7, as it had been initially. The section about Nagorno Karabakh had been removed for unknown reasons.

Artsakh (Karabakh) Travel Commercial by Azd production